Volkswagen Multivan and California now available with plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive

Right on time after its widespread use in its passenger car range, Volkswagen is bringing its eHybrid system to the world of commercial vehicles, further enhancing the capabilities of two successful models: the Multivan people-mover and the iconic California campervan, both available with 4Motion, the family's all-wheel drive system. The plug-in hybrid powertrain in the Multivan and California is a second-generation eHybrid system. It uses a 1.5 TSI evo2 turbocharged petrol engine producing 176 hp (120 kW) combined with a 115 hp (85 kW) electric motor on the front axle, integrated into a plug-in hybrid module with a dual-clutch transmission (DSG). The third technical module is a second electric motor on the rear axle producing 136 hp (95 kW). Together, they develop a system torque of 350 Nm and a maximum output of 245 hp (180 kW). Another key component is the new 19.7 kWh high-voltage battery, almost double the energy capacity of the previous Multivan eHybrid. Charging is possible at up to 11 kW at AC stations and up to 50 kW at DC fast charging stations. Electric range is up to 91 km in the combined cycle.

The new plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive system allows the vehicle to start in all-electric mode at temperatures as low as -28 degrees Celsius. Up to a speed of 65 km/h, the rear electric motor provides assisted all-wheel drive when starting off, and even when the battery is flat, it is powered by the energy produced by the TSI and the front electric motor, which in this case acts as a generator. The 4Motion system's power distribution is regulated by the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and is variable, depending on the driving situation or the traction on the axles. Thus, up to 100 percent of the drive force can be directed to the front or rear axles. Finally, switching from D mode to Sport S mode activates permanent all-wheel drive. The Multivan and California eHybrid 4Motion can be driven up to 130 km/h in all-electric mode and up to 200 km/h in hybrid mode.

Important: Both the Multivan eHybrid 4Motion and the California eHybrid 4Motion offer an electric stationary air conditioning system that can be used to cool, ventilate, and heat the MPV and camper van. The air conditioning system draws power from both the high-voltage battery and the mains during charging, ensuring a comfortable interior temperature in the vehicle before the journey begins. In addition to comfort, the stationary air conditioning helps preserve battery charge. Let's look at the prices . The standard Multivan eHybrid 4Motion is available starting from €70,668.15. The California, with two berths under the standard sunroof, will be available as an eHybrid 4Motion starting from €77,772.45, while with two additional berths inside (in the Beach Tour version) it will start from €82,907.30.